Step 06
Pre-Operative Checklist
The final check before starting. Checklists reduce errors — not because you don't know, but because details escape on busy days.
Documentation
- Consent form signed
- Standardized photos in chart
- Recent lab tests
- Cardiac evaluation (if indicated)
- SPE-M form completed
Patient
- 8-hour fasting confirmed
- Off anticoagulants 7+ days
- No smoking 2+ weeks
- Companion present
- Post-op instructions given
Room and Team
- Suture material checked
- Hemostasis available
- Loupes and lighting tested
- Table positioning adequate
- Team informed about procedure
Marking
- Patient standing for marking
- Vectors defined and photographed
- Attention areas marked
- Symmetry verified
- Patient approved markings
Why Use a Checklist?
Aviation dramatically reduced errors with checklists. Medicine is learning. Experienced surgeons use checklists not for lack of knowledge, but out of respect for procedure complexity.